SMOKE MULTI-GAS DETECTOR ALARM AND TRANSMITTER DEVICE

Abstract

 A smoke multi-gas detector alarm and transmitter device includes a fire-proof blackbox mountable to a ceiling in a room. A carbon monoxide sensor is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne carbon monoxide substance within the room. A smoke sensor is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne smoke substance within the room. A combustible gas sensor is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne combustible gas substance within the room. An audible alarm module is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by one of the sensors. A processor/memory unit is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by one of the sensors. A transmitter is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by the processor/memory unit to send an alert signal (SMS or voice message) to a person at a remote computer and to a person at a cell phone. GPRS/SMS, WIFI, Satellite Transmitter can be used.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to a home safety system, and more particularly, a smoke multi-gas detector alarm and transmitter device.

[0002] Conventional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are only useful if an individual is home to hear the alarm sound. If the occupants of a room are not present at the time of a fire, the property may be engulfed by the time neighbors notice the smoke. If a structure is not in close proximity to other properties, there may be no notification of the emergency. Individuals may lose all of their belongings in a fire or worse, they may not hear the alarm and may lose their lives. A safer alternative is needed.

[0003] The smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device is designed to detect carbon monoxide, dangerous explosive gases and smoke and then alert the occupants and emergency services if necessary. The device will not only activate an audible and or visual alarm, but will also alert contacts by text message SMS and voice message. If the situation escalates, or the alarm is not acknowledged, emergency services will automatically be notified and provided with the property's address and other vital information. The present invention provides safety by effectively alerting occupants of an emergency. If the owner is not home, the device can remotely notify them and the proper authorities. Consumers will appreciate the safety and efficiency that the device provides.

Description of the Prior Art:

[0004] Numerous innovations for alarm systems have been provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.

[0005] A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2005/0151642, Published on 07-14-2005, to Tupler et al. teaches methods, systems and apparatuses for use in providing notification of emergency services as well as notifying additional individuals and/or groups of an emergency. Some embodiments provide methods for use in dispatching emergency services and notifying one or more additional contacts. These methods wirelessly receive a request for emergency services from a remote wireless device, retrieve an emergency contact list according to the type of emergency and determine at least one emergency contact other than emergency services according to the contact list. Once identified, the contact is notified of the request for emergency services. Some embodiments further determine a mode of communicating with the emergency contact and notify the contact according to the mode of communication. Some methods additionally determine one or more types of emergency services to be dispatched and notify types of emergency services.

[0006] A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2010/0079278, Published on 04-01-2010, to Suzuki et al. teaches a power saving wireless fire alarm system that has a master station and a plurality of battery-powered fire detecting cc terminals linked for wireless communication with each other. Upon detection of a fire occurrence at one of the fire detecting terminals, the fire detecting terminal transmit a fire detection message to a master station which in turn transmit a wake-up message to the other fire detecting terminals and thereafter a fire information message which starts a multiple synchronous communication between the master station and the fire detecting terminals. Each fire detecting terminal has a power controller which selects an intermittent reception mode of activating its own receiver only intermittently until receiving the wake-up message or information indicative of the fire occurrence, and select a constant operation mode thereafter to make the fire detecting terminals be ready for the multiple synchronous communication commenced by the fire information message from the master station.

[0007] A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2010/0140478, Published on 06-10-2010, to Wilson et al. teaches a gas detector that is arranged to sense the concentration levels of target gases oxygen, methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide, within a gas sample from an environment surrounding the detector. The gas detector comprises laser sources that are arranged to transmit radiation through the gas sample at four target wavelengths that correspond approximately to the optimum absorption wavelengths of each of the target gases and an optical detector that is arranged to sense the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the gas sample at each of the target wavelengths. A control system generates representative concentration level information for the target gases based on the level of absorption of the radiation transmitted.

[0008] A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2011/0121968, Published on 05-26-2011, to Hart et al. teaches an alarm system comprising an alarm handset having a fire-proof blackbox, a detector circuit having means for receiving a preselected signal from a remote transmitter and generating a first detection signal in response thereto, first sensing means for sensing change in a preselected parameter of the handset, warning means for generating a warning signal, alarm means for generating an alarm signal and control means responsive to receipt of the detection signal to activate the alarm means. The control means is operable to activate the warning means in response to at least one of receipt of the control signal and sensing of the change in the preselected parameter of the handset.

[0009] A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2011/0187543, Published on 08-04-2011, to Russo et al. teaches a home safety 911 system which comprises a 3V-9Volts battery disposed in an enclosure that supplies power to a smoke sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor and a gas leak sensor. An audible alarm module, a visual alarm module and an escape route module are all disposed in the enclosure and can be activated by one of the sensors. A "FIRE 911" visual alarm display is mounted on at least one window in a house and is remotely activated by the visual alarm module.

[0010] It is apparent now that numerous innovations for alarm systems have been provided in the prior art that are adequate for various purposes. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, accordingly, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0013] STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device that is simple to use.

[0014] BRIEFLY STATED, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device which comprises a fire-proof blackbox mountable to a ceiling in a room. A carbon monoxide sensor is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne carbon monoxide substance within the room. A smoke sensor is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne smoke substance within the room. A combustible gas sensor is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne combustible gas substance within the room. An audible alarm module is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by one of the sensors. A processor/memory unit is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by one of the sensors. A GPRS/SMS transmitter is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by the processor/memory unit to send an alert signal to a person at a remote computer and to a person at a cell phone.

[0015] The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] The figures of the drawings are briefly described as follows:

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the various components of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the present invention per se;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a person entering information from a personal computer into the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the present invention sounding an alarm to a person within a home;

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a person at work receiving information on a cell phone from the present invention when the alarm is activated; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a person at an emergency services location being notified by the present invention when the alarm is activated.

REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING

[0017] 

110

smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device

112

fire-proof blackbox of SMG device 110

114

carbon monoxide sensor in fire-proof blackbox 112

116

smoke sensor in fire-proof blackbox 112

117

combustible gas sensor in fire-proof blackbox 112

118

audible alarm module in fire-proof blackbox 112

120

processor/memory unit in fire-proof blackbox 112

122

GPRS/SMS transmitter in fire-proof blackbox 112

124

remote computer

126

cell phone

128

USB port on fire-proof blackbox 112

130

USB cable

132

personal computer

134

visual alarm module in fire-proof blackbox 112

136

test button on fire-proof blackbox 112

138

3V-9Volts battery in fire-proof blackbox 112

140

switch in fire-proof blackbox 112

142

socket on fire-proof blackbox 112

144

plug on power cord 146

146

power cord

147

person at personal computer 132

148

circular shaped casing for fire-proof blackbox 112

149

thermometer in fire-proof blackbox 112

150

ceiling in room 152

152

room

154

person in room 152

156

person at work place 158

158

work place

160

person at emergency services location 162

162

emergency services location

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the present invention is a smoke multi-gas detector alarm and transmitter device 110 which comprises a fire-proof blackbox 112. A carbon monoxide sensor 114 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to detect an airborne carbon monoxide substance. A smoke sensor 116 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to detect an airborne smoke substance. A combustible gas sensor 117 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to detect and airborne combustible gas substance. An audible alarm module 118 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to be activated by one of the sensors 114,116, and 117. A processor/memory unit 120 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to be activated by one of the sensors 114, 116, and 117. The fire-proof blackbox 112 has a round shape with a diameter of 4-5 inches and 1.0-1.5 inches in height. A transmitter 122 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to be activated by the processor/memory unit 120 to send an alert signal (text messages SMS or voice message) to a remote computer 124 and to a portable receiving unit: a cell phone 126 or a key chain device. Instead of a cell phone 126, a simpler version: a key chain device that beeps or emits an audible/voice sound of the type of alarm detected.

[0019] The transmitter 122 can utilizes:

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is used most commonly for mobile phones. The user can send and receive emails using GPRS, browse the Internet, and send tracking data. General Packet Radio Service is a radio technology for GSM networks that adds packet-switching protocols, shorter set-up time for ISP connections, it also offers the possibility to charge by amount of data sent rather than connect time.

Short Message Service (SMS) is also often referred to as texting, sending text messages or text messaging. The service allows for short text messages to be sent from one cell phone to another cell phone or from the Web to another cell phone. Including spaces, text messages traditionally can't exceed 160 characters.

[0020] When the device 110 detects smoke, fire, the GPRS/SMS transmitter 122 sends a signal to the nearest cell tower from the tower (not shown) to the SMSC and from there to its destination (user's cell phone 126 or a key chain device). When SMG smoke detector 116 detect smoke, it uses the GRPS/SMS Transmitter 122 to send a text message SMS to the listed contact of the fire, the person can then reply to acknowledge the warning, on SMG alarm and transmitter, if the thermometer detects fire, the device 110 notifies the contact listed for emergency [911] using GRPS/SMS Transmitter 122.

[0021] The GPRS/SMS transmitter 122 can be made by Teloc TLC100. The Teloc GPRS/SMS Transmitter 122 uses GSM modem for wireless data transmission via GPRS/SMS. Additionally, the transmitter 122 can be connected to thermometers,..., operate as control panel equipped with a remote controllers and programmable outputs. The device is designed to transmit data from telemetry systems, including the transmission of signals from the control panel, and vending machines, home automation and industrial. With the online connection it's possible to maintain uninterrupted communication with the monitored system and the immediate transfer of all events. In GPRS mode, the transmitter 122 requires the cooperation with dedicated application: Teloc Communication Server (not shown). The Communication Server is software that allows carrying data transmission to the monitoring station, transmitters provide additional functionality: remote programming, configuration, and software updates.

[0022] The transmitter 122 can use other technologies such as WIFI (with wireless router), or Satellite communications technology to send SMS text messages over WIFI or satellite signals to the user's cell phone 126 or a key chain device.

[0023] The device 110 further comprises a USB port 128 disposed on the fire-proof blackbox 112 to be coupled to the processor/memory unit 120. A USB cable 130 can extend between the USB port 128 and a personal computer 132, so that vital information can be programmed to the processor/memory circuit 120 by using the personal computer 132. A visual alarm module 134 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to be activated by one of the sensors 114,116, and 117. A test button 136 is disposed on the fire-proof blackbox 112 to check the operation of the carbon monoxide sensor 114, the smoke sensor 116 and the combustible gas sensor 117.

[0024] A 3V-12volts DC battery 138 is disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to supply power to the carbon monoxide sensor 114, the smoke sensor 116, the combustible gas sensor 117, the processor/memory unit 120, the transmitter 122 and the test button 136. A switch 140 disposed in the fire-proof blackbox 112 is electrically connected to the 3V-12volts battery 138. A socket 142 disposed on the fire-proof blackbox 112 is electrically connected to the switch 140. A plug 144 on a power cord 146 can engage with the socket 142. When the switch 140 is placed in a first position the 3V-12volts DC battery 138 will supply power. When the switch 140 is placed in a second position the power cord 146 will supply power. The GPRS/SMS transmitter 122 also has a transceiver which can wirelessly receive the vital information directly from the personal computer 132 and then send the vital information wirelessly to the processor/memory unit 120. The processor/memory unit 120 can be a solid-state memory 0.5-2TerraBytes made by Aligned Signal, Honey Well, and Paya or similar companies. The device 110 further contains a thermometer 149 built in the fire-proof blackbox 112 to detect a change of temperature.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the fire-proof blackbox 112 is comprised of a circular shaped casing 148 fabricated from a fire-proof or fire resistant material selected from the group consisting of plastic, and metal (e.g. steel, aluminum, copper).

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, a person 147 is entering the vital information into the personal computer 132, so that the vital information can be programmed into the processor/memory unit 120 within the fire-proof blackbox 112 of the device 110. The blackbox 112 is capable of storing vital information about the fire (e.g. triggered or activated timestamp record, recorded ambient temperature,... and other parameters), that would help aid firefighters to later determine the cause of the fire, explosion, or etc.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the fire-proof blackbox 112 can be mountable to a ceiling 150 in a room 152, such as in a basement of a house. The device 110 is sounding an alarm to a person 154 in the room 152.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the vital information from the device 110 is also being sent to the cell phone 126, so that a person 156 at a work place 158 can be alerted to an emergency.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the vital information from the device 110 is being sent to the remote computer 124, so that a person 160 at an emergency services location 162 can be alerted to the situation to promptly react and send emergency units to the room 152.

[0030] The device 110 may have three different alarm tones, one for the smoke sensor 116, one for the carbon monoxide sensor 114 and one for the combustible gas sensor 117. The visual alarm module 134 may also include LED lights of different colors, for example, red for smoke, yellow for carbon monoxide and green for combustible gases that will blink. The device 110 can be wirelessly to send text messages, voice messages, or emails to different phone numbers and addresses or other forms of notification. A list of contacts (e.g. phone numbers, email addresses, ...) may be uploaded or registered onto the device 110 via the USB cable 130. Multiple devices 110 may be connected to one another, so that when one device 110 sounds, the other devices 110 are also activated. Some devices 110 may just be designed to detect smoke by ionization, photoelectric sensor; carbon monoxide by electrochemical sensor/metal oxide semiconductor sensor or just combustible gases such as hydrocarbon by I/R infrared sensors. The device 110 may utilize a GPRS/SMS, Wi-Fi network, cellular phone towers, or other methods of communication. Some commercial devices 110 may contain a speaker and the ability for someone to announce instructions if there is a fire.

[0031] Other devices 110 may be able to detect a cause of a fire for example, electrical, combustible (gasoline), explosive, and temperature and relay that information to emergency services. The SMG detector Alarm & Transmitter, Gas Detector device 110 could help is, if there is a faulty, stove, water heater, gas boiler or gas line in a building. Another model of the device 110 may be designed to detect other types of gases or vapors for example, (natural gas, methane gas) and function in a similar way. Some devices 110 may be designed for specific industries like hotels, motels, office buildings, factories, warehouse, subways, and cruise ships. The audible alarm module 118 may be set for loud or silent where the proper authority within the building (fire command) will be notified first or it could send a text message [example "smoke detected on 2^nd floor at 600 Florida Avenue or a phone call to alert or send the alert signal to a key chain device that beeps or emits an audible/voice sound of the type of alarm detected.

[0032] The smoke sensor 116 may use ionization, photoelectric to detect smoke. The carbon monoxide sensor 114 can use electrochemical sensor, or metal oxide semiconductor sensor. The device 110 also has a built-in thermometer to detect change in surrounding or ambient temperature.

[0033] The exact specifications may vary.

[0034] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

[0035] While the invention has been illustrated and described as an embodiment of a smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device, accordingly it is not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Features, shape, size, color, sound and etc. may vary with each model, as technology advances features may be added or removed to improve the smoke multi-gas detector alarm and GPRS/SMS transmitter device.

[0036] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

Claims

1. A smoke multi-gas detector alarm and transmitter device which comprises:

a) a fire-proof blackbox mountable to a ceiling in a room;

b) a carbon monoxide sensor disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne carbon monoxide substance within the room;

c) a smoke sensor disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne smoke substance within the room;

d) a combustible gas sensor disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to detect an airborne combustible gas substance within the room;

e) an audible alarm module disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by one of the above sensors when there is a fire;

f) a processor/memory unit disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by one of the sensors, and to record an activated timestamp, and an ambient temperature that would help aid firefighters to later determine a cause of the fire; and

g) a transmitter disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by the processor/memory unit to send an alert signal to a person at a remote computer and to a portable receiving unit.

2. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the transmitter can utilize one of the technologies consisting of GPRS/SMS, WIFI, or Satellite signals to send the alert signal and the receiving unit consisting of a registered cell phone or a key chain device.

3. The device as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a USB port disposed on the fire-proof blackbox to be coupled to the processor/memory unit with storage capacity of 0.5-2TerraBytes, whereby a USB cable can extend between the USB port and a personal computer, so that a person can program or update vital information, register a list of contacts (phone numbers, emails) to the processor/memory unit using the personal computer.

4. The device as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a visual alarm module disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to be activated by one of the sensors.

5. The device as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a test button disposed on the fire-proof blackbox to check the operation of the carbon monoxide sensor, the smoke sensor and the combustible gas sensor.

6. The device as recited in Claim 5, further comprising a 3V-12volts DC battery disposed in the fire-proof blackbox to supply power to the carbon monoxide sensor, the smoke sensor, the combustible gas sensor, the processor/memory unit, the transmitter and the test button.

7. The device as recited in Claim 6, further comprising:

a) a switch disposed in the fire-proof blackbox electrically connected to the 3V-12volts battery; and

b) a socket disposed on the fire-proof blackbox electrically connected to the switch, whereby a plug on a power cord can engage with the socket, so that when the switch is placed in a first position the 3V-12volts battery will supply power and when the switch is placed in a second position the power cord will supply power.

8. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the alert signal is a text message SMS.

9. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the alert signal is a voice message.

10. The device as recited in Claim 2, wherein the transmitter includes a transceiver which can also wirelessly receive the vital information directly from the personal computer and then send the vital information to the processor/memory unit.

10. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the fire-proof blackbox is comprised of a circular shaped casing with a diameter of 4-5 inches and 1.0-1.5 inches in height and being fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic aluminum, steel, copper and metal.

11. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the smoke sensor comprises ionization sensor, photoelectric sensor; the carbon monoxide sensor includes electrochemical sensor/metal oxide semiconductor sensor; and the combustible gases sensor includes an I/R infrared sensor.

12. The device as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a thermometer built in the fire-proof blackbox to detect a change of temperature within the room.

13. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein if the situation escalates, then emergency services will automatically be notified and provided with the property's address and other vital information to the remote computer of a proper authority.

14. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein if the alarm is not acknowledged, emergency services will automatically be notified and provided with the property's address and other vital information to the remote computer of a proper authority.

15. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein if the situation escalates, then emergency services will automatically be notified and provided with the property's address and other vital information to the cell phone of the user.

16. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein if the alarm is not acknowledged, emergency services will automatically be notified and provided with the property's address and other vital information to the cell phone of the user.

17. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the device have three different alarm tones, one for the smoke sensor, one for the carbon monoxide sensor and one for the combustible gas sensor.

18. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the visual alarm module also include LED lights of different colors: red for smoke, yellow for carbon monoxide and green for combustible gases that will blink.

19. The device as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a speaker for someone to announce instructions if there is a fire.

20. The device as recited in Claim 1, wherein the room is from one of the rooms consisting of: hotels, motels, office buildings, factories, warehouse, subways, and cruise ships.

Drawing